Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital has received $1.1 million in annual hospital infrastructure funding from the provincial government for much needed upgrades.

The lion’s share of the funding announced on Friday, Jan. 25 will go toward the replacement of two backup generators. The current generators, which provide emergency power to the hospital, were installed nearly 40 years ago.

“The access to emergency power is essential in hospitals,” said Mike Bastow, Chief Operating Officer, in a media release. “Backup power generators ensure vital patient care equipment will keep running and patients will remain safe through power disruptions.”

The balance of the funding has been earmarked for the installation of replacement windows and roofing replacement.

“Our roof and windows are showing their age and we need to make repairs before water damage occurs,” said Bastow. “Water leaks into the facility can cause a great deal of damage from loss of expensive equipment to infection control issues.”

The funding received by TDMH is part of $175 million coming from the Ontario government to undertake repairs and upgrades at 128 hospital across the province.

“This is wonderful news for TDMH and our community,” said Sandy Jansen, TDMH President and CEO, in the media release.

“Investments like this in our hospital allow us to complete the much needed renovations and upgrades required to maintain a safe environment for our patients and staff. Without this investment from the government the hospital would have to pay for these upgrades from our own coffers. Through funding like this and the incredible support of our Foundation, we are ensuring TDMH can continue to deliver the quality of care the communities we serve deserve.”